Ryan Sawyer, Claims Benefit Advisor for the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), will be in Canadian on Monday, April 27. Claims Advisors serve veterans, their dependents and survivors, in all matters pertaining to veterans' disability benefits and rights. The TVC is the designated agency of the state of Texas to represent the State and its veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Mr. Sawyer’s visit came about through a collaborative effort between Canadian’s American Legion Post 56 and Hemphill County Judge, Lisa Johnson. At one time, Hemphill County had a local Veteran’s Service Officer, but an ever-growing level of regulatory complexity led to the elimination of the position. The basic need for veteran assistance, however, was still there. 

“There are over 200 veterans in Hemphill County, and there are many spouses of deceased veterans who we don’t know about,” stated John McGarr, Post Adjutant. “These people need help in swimming through the regulatory swamp that often characterizes encounters with the Veterans Administration. Many veterans are older and are not comfortable doing business over the phone or online…and getting to Amarillo gets harder with each birthday. That is why we were so excited to meet Mr. Sawyer: he loves cutting through administrative knots, he loves helping veterans…and he is willing to come here to do it.”

Though Sawyer’s visit is being facilitated by the American Legion, veterans or their spouses do not have to be Legion members in order to meet with Mr. Sawyer.

This visit will consist of two parts. Scheduled interviews will be held at the Hemphill County Courthouse on Monday, April 27, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Mr. Sawyer will then conduct an informational meeting followed by a question-and-answer session beginning at 7:00 pm at the Gallery Room of the River Valley Pioneer Museum. This meeting is open to the public. Veterans and spouses are urged to attend. Legion membership is not required.

For more information or to schedule a visit with Mr. Sawyer, please contact John McGarr at 806.323.2567. Additional information about TVC can be found at https://tvc.texas.gov/